[1] Francesco Canali studied in his native city of Perugia and was ordained in December 1786 as a deacon.

Moreover, Canali was from 1797 to 1800 prior of the theologian College his hometown, and thereafter the chamberlain.

[2] Francesco Canali was appointed Bishop of Spoleto in 1814 and transferred the 23 July 1820 by Pope Pius VII in Tivoli church as administrator, then elected bishop of Tivoli on 28 August 1820.

In February 1827 he was appointed secretary of the Congregation of regular and canonical bishops of the Vatican Basilica.

[3][4][5] Pope Gregory XVI created him cardinal in pectore on 30 September 1831.